Sean Penn Wins Third Oscar, Skips Ceremony — Culkin's Remark Steals The Night

Veteran actor Sean Penn won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards 2026 on Sunday for his role in the political drama One Battle After Another, but the Hollywood Star was notably absent from the ceremony. The announcement was made during the live broadcast of the Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles, where the audience was informed that Penn would not be attending the event. Despite his absence, the award added another milestone to the actor’s already celebrated career in film and television.

The award was presented by actor Kieran Culkin, who briefly acknowledged Penn’s absence after revealing his name as the winner. “He couldn't be here tonight, or he didn't want to,” Culkin said while addressing the audience. A photograph of Penn was displayed on stage following the announcement, drawing applause from attendees. Organizers did not provide further details regarding the reason for Penn’s absence, leaving fans and industry observers speculating about why the veteran actor did not attend the ceremony.

Penn earned the award for his performance in the film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. In the movie, Penn portrays a seasoned political strategist navigating the complex power struggles and ideological conflicts surrounding a turbulent political movement. His character is depicted as a calculating yet experienced power broker whose decades of involvement in political activism have shaped his worldview and influence. Critics praised the performance for combining the actor’s signature intensity with restrained emotional depth, making it one of the most memorable roles in the film’s ensemble cast.

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The victory marks Penn’s third Academy Award, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most respected actors of his generation. He previously won Best Actor for his role in Mystic River, directed by Clint Eastwood, and again for portraying civil rights activist and politician Harvey Milk in the biographical film Milk. Both performances were widely acclaimed and helped establish Penn as a consistent presence in major award seasons.

Penn first rose to prominence in the early 1980s with his appearance in the comedy film Fast Times at Ridgemont High, but he soon transitioned into more complex dramatic roles that defined his career. Over the decades, he delivered notable performances in films such as Dead Man Walking, Carlito's Way, The Thin Red Line, and I Am Sam. These roles earned him critical acclaim and established him as one of Hollywood’s most intense and transformative performers.

Penn’s win came in a competitive category that included several prominent nominees from the film industry. Among those nominated were Delroy Lindo, Benicio del Toro, Jacob Elordi, and Stellan Skarsgård. While Penn was not present to accept the award in person, his performance in One Battle After Another was widely regarded by critics as a standout role, further cementing his legacy as one of the most accomplished actors in contemporary cinema.

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